12.17.2008

When I got the call for submissions to Carol Sulcoski's latest book Knitting Socks with Handpainted Yarn, published by Interweave Press, I knew I wanted to design something with beads. For those of you who know me, you know I've been somewhat obsessed with incorporating beads into the majority of the designs I am working on. My goal was to come up with a stitch that distracted your eye from any pooling or striping that your hand-dyed yarn might create when knitting it in the round; and to do this with beads.

The original swatch I sent Interweave was done in Schaefer Yarn's Heather with size 6 beads. The editors loved the design, but decided that it would look even better in Schaefer's Anne with size 8 beads. It was a really good decision, the final socks are fab... and now my daughter wears the original Heather swatch as a wristie and it looks totally cool.

The sock begins with a picot edge cuff that is created by starting with a provisional cast on and working a hem, with a yarnover/k2tog turning row. I knew that it was important to me that the beads not touch the skin at all. I managed to do this by floating the beads on yarn-over's while they migrate on a diagonal line around the leg. The stitch pattern is super easy to memorize, and actually hard to stop doing. I was a wee bit sad on both socks when the leg was over and it was time to turn the heel and knit the stockinette stitch foot. (I decided it would be REALLY uncomfortable to have beads rubbing between your foot and shoe.)

11.25.2008

It was my first time teaching this pattern to more than 6 people at a time and it went wonderfully once I got over being nervous!!! I started everyone off working just one repeat of the pattern without the beads, once they understood how the lace chart worked, they then got to start incorporating the beads, once they had success with that, they frogged and starting the whole scarf. Most people made it into a rpt or two of the scarf before they quit for the day. It was wonderful to see knitters of many different styles slowly understand the pattern, the AHHH moment was a joy to behold!

Ellen, the owner of Crazy for Ewe, treated us all perfectly with scones and coffee to start off the day, and quiche, rolls and salad for lunch, and even fresh baked chocolate chip cookies and coffee for an afternoon pick-me-up. I even got to do a little showing off with my new designs at the end of the class. It was great fun, and Ellen and I are already in conversation about a possible class for next summer!

I am currently teaching a class on my Abrazo at Knitting Etc in Ithaca, I'll try to get all the girls together and get a pic of them with their vests on!

11.11.2008

Omigosh, this has been the longest process getting this website up and running; I can't believe how long it has taken! I am LUCKY to have fallen in love with someone who could set it all up for me, but that meant I had to be okay with the design first. I am a picky designer so finally after months, many helpful opinions from friends near and far (thankyou-- you know who you are!), it is ready to go!

Please let me know if there is anything you think could run more smoothly; it is a work in progress, and feedback only helps things be the best they can be!

Amidst all this website design I have been knitting, of course! I've got A LOT up my sleeve!

Circulate, my latest beaded design is a moebius shoulder cowl, done in a garter stitch lace pattern with beads incorporated on the border. After it's grafted into a moebius, you then attach a beaded i-cord all the way around the edge of the whole piece. This scarf is a quickie to knit up, much less "fiddly" than the undulating waves scarf!

My second new design is Hover. Hover is done with one skein of Schaefer's Helene, one of my favorite yarns of theirs to knit! It's a worsted weight single ply wool/silk that is pure luxury to work with. The stitch pattern for Hover is unique with double yo's and dropped wraps that create beautiful texture and movement throughout the scarf. This is a great quickie for holiday presents!

I've got socks on my needles, out of Schaefer's newest yarn, Nichole, which hasn't been released yet! And a fabulous mock t-neck tank in Susan, which I am currently obsessed with seeing knit up in Heather too. I'll tell you more about these new patterns later! Oh, and another beaded wonder in Susan, stay tuned, you won't be disappointed : )